Spotlight Addiction

C A M I L L A ᥫ᭡

"WE'RE here, " Drix informs me and I reluctantly step down from the vehicle. I've hated this place with my entire being, this place that I grew up in and was miserably treated.

Why come back? One may ask, because my grandfather was still here; he is the only reason I'll ever step foot into this dreadful residence.

"Wait here, " I order, restraining Drix from going any further.

I've been pulling his legs all day, hoping that he would get frustrated with me and say something to make me 'angrily' fire him but there he is, acting so perfect and apologising like he was just programmed to be stupidly nice.

I despised seeing him with every ounce of my being not to talk of the way he smiles like a roast goat head even when I gave him the most uncomfortable spot at my office.

He even dared to ask me if I wanted coffee and went as far as bringing extra cream like he suddenly knows that I would need extra cream. He's always knowing things. Bonehead.

Anyways, that phase of my miserable life is over for a while, now, it is time for phase two. I don't want them to find out that I have a personal bodyguard, actually, I do know they have a hand in the sniper incident.

A strong hunch by the way but I want to show them that I'm not afraid to walk unprotected in their midst because they're all bark and no bite.

Taking my bag from him, I made my way into the building, clutching my bag tightly and praying that all would go well without any of us murdering each other.

It's my oldest sister, Anna's engagement party; I don't know why they decided to make a fuss about this marriage. I've seen the guy and he looks like a deformed horse, nothing worth celebrating there. They wouldn't even come to my law school graduation. Fair enough.

At the entrance of the house stood two of my sisters and a few maids, welcoming guests. They've massacred the marble stone flooring with rose petals and even dared to add extra as more guests arrived.

"Yay, it's the b*tch of the year, " Reese, Anna's immediate younger sister laughs as she pushed strands of her blonde hair from her face.

I ignore her and look at the celebrant instead as I open up my purse and hand her an envelope with a cheque enclosed inside.

"It's a little but congratulations on your engagement, " I beam, walking past them into the house.

"Six million dollars? Who the hell does she think she is? " I hear Reese rant but pay no attention to that. I headed straight to the garden where the event was supposedly taking place.

As expected, dozens of influential people from the upper class of the society are nicely seated at each table, some at the outdoor buffet table chatting and taking their own servings.

I saw my father and his wife seated at one of the tables, chatting and entertaining a few guests but no sight of the person I wanted to see.

I'm only here because of my grandfather and to shut any controversial topic from the press about the Dunwoody's chateau being on fire. My father was forced into an arranged marriage with my birth mother but he swore to give his heart to his childhood lover, Cynthia, his current wife.

They had numerous affairs which ended up producing my trio step sisters and step brother. My mother had me shortly after my drunk dad had his way with her and then it had happened. The worst mistake of his life which he regretted and which eventually took her away during birth. I did come as a blessing disguise because he was able to finally marry the love of his life.

Whilst they saw me as a replica of bad luck, my grandfather picked me as his and raised me to be the woman I am today even without parental love, he was enough. I would never take him for granted.

"Camilla," A man at my father's table calls and my lips draw up into a broad smile as I approach them. I recognize him as Henry Richardson, owner of Wellsprings, a popular hotel and restaurant group.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, again. Mr. Richardson, " I greet, ignoring my father and stepmother.

"Come sit with us, dear, " Cynthia chuckles.

"Of course, dearest, " My father adds.

I know the drill, act like we're one happy family in public and murder ourselves in private. I accepted and sit next to Mr. Richardson, to talk further about business whilst my dad and mistress watched dumbfoundedly.

"It's quite remarkable how much you've acquired at your age, regardless of your family's wealth, "

"All credits to my grandfather, without his support I wouldn't be here, " I acknowledged, rejecting the glass of champagne offered to me by a waiter. I'm not taking any chances.

"But he didn't give you a dime, " the man said.

"He paid my law school tuition, " I laughed. My business grew as a result of the funds I earned from being a lawyer, money I channelled into a good use. I'm currently studying for a master's degree in business administration coupled with my major in business law.

"Well,you should be a role model to so many. My daughter is obsessed with your success story, your parents are really lucky to have you, "

I glanced at both of them, neither of them gave a reply which is much more exciting to me. As I said previously, I'm not a fan of talking about myself, when people do it it sounds so much better.

"I guess I am lucky to have me, " I jest.

"I look forward to collaborating with you in the near future,"

"The near future could be in two weeks or so? " I grin, hinting that I was ready for a collab and the smart guy got the message.

"Remarkable, this would be a good upgrade for the Wellsprings branch here in California,"

"And for CDMeals as well, "

"It is an honour to speak to you, Camilla. I sort of wish you were the one marrying my son, " the man chuckled and I smirked. Shame, I don't wish the same.

"Marriage is the last thing on this woman's schedule, " I answer.

"She should definitely add it soon, many would kill for the opportunity," he winks, excusing himself from the table and heading to the buffet.

I finally notice my father and Cynthia shooting dreadfully glares at me, like I had taken something from them. Their shine? No, the spotlight has always been addicted to Camilla Dunwoody. Minutes later, more pleasantries notice my presence and I have discussions with them, sharing a few business tips and learning a few myself.

The engagement party finishes in an hour and soon, my parents are at the door sending off guests. I seized the opportunity to text my grandfather.

[Why didn't you come?]

[Golf game, sorry. I actually won!]

[Really?]

[Well, almost. In the process .Tell me about whatever happened later. I've got a bet to lose]

I giggled before turning off my phone and slipping it into my pocket to see pairs of angry eyes shooting glares of despair at me. Worse, Anna appears to be crying.

"Classic Camilla! Always have to make everything about you! '' Irene, the third step sister starts.

"Excuse me? " I ask. I was expecting this, they just have to make a fuss, don't they? Like little children in adult bodies.

"He wished you were marrying his son? Mr. Richardson is my damned future father-in-law! " Anna yells, her voice croaking.

Oh my word. Does this still change the fact that I would've denied my company the opportunity of a business deal because a man I met was my sister's father-in-law? No.

"Well, I had no clue," I answered with a shrug.

"Everyone just kept calling your name here and there, no one even paid attention to your sister, is that how thirsty you are for attention?!" Cynthia roared.

"Enough!" my father yells and all seals their lips shut. "I'll be upstairs and when I return—"

"I'll be gone," I answer, finishing the sentence for him. They invited me anyway, not like I wanted to be here.

He stares at me for a while, countless emotions going through his eyes but mostly shock that I was bold enough to shut him up. Nodding his head,he makes his way to the room with his wife following behind.

I sigh and set out of leave when I feel sheets of papers on my face, torn sheets from the envelope I had given to Anna. She walks up to me and leans forward with her hands tightly grabbing my wrist, I yank it off, "Let go of me, damned psycho!"

"You think you're so special because of your stupid company. Sooner or later, it will all be history, Camilla. When grandfather gives Splash Luxe to me," Anna declares.

I laugh, "Isn't that what you've always been? As leech, sucking places dry that you contributed nothing to,"

"At least she's better than a false heiress. Grandfather is old and dying soon and you think he'll give his hard work to a product of a loveless marriage? A ticking wild bomb that would die with her bloodline. Who wants to get married to a shot load of disappointment like you?" Anna growls.

"Your fiance would kill to," I smirk, dusting my blazer and taking my leave.

I know what they wanted, they wanted to get on my very last nerve to make sure I react with my fists and not my head but I didn't take therapy for nothing.

As I step out, I decide to abandon all the worthless words they said to me knowing fully well that my grandfather would never give them a dime from his sweat. My father was still lucky enough to be a general manager of one of the California branches but his worthless children had nothing. At least I was in a holy matrimony,they were ejections from a useless affair.

When I finally arrive at the car, I finally get the opportunity I need by kicking my car tyre with my heels; first stage of anger elimination but I need somewhere more to provide privacy.

The car door opens and the driver steps out but no sight of my bodyguard. Great, if my siblings were possibly aiming a gun at me by now, I would've been a goner.

"Where is he?" I ask the driver.

"Sorry, madam. Drix left a few minutes ago,"

He chose to bail now?!

"Left? Where did he go?!"

"His mother collapsed at work,"